When it comes to the Cleveland Browns power pair of GM Andrew Berry and HC Kevin Stefanski, hot-seat conversations are appropriate. They have been discussed among the fan base and media since last season,
but have escalated since the departure of Paul DePodesta and, now, with the loss to the one-win New York Jets in Week 10.
DePodesta’s role was always a discussion point because we never really knew the exact power that he held. Many believed he was primarily responsible for the hiring of both Berry and Stefanski. Those two aren’t the only ones with hot seats in Cleveland, but they are the biggest decision makers.
Despite being seen, according to a report, similar to Mike Vrabel and Andy Reid, Stefanski’s tenure seems more tenuous, with a variety of options to replace him, than Berry’s. Most point to the Browns struggles on offense (which is a putrid unit) for why Stefanski should be let go, but everyone would also agree that the offensive line is suspect, the quarterback options are less than ideal, and the team lacks difference makers on the outside to open up the defense and make everything else work.
Those things go in Berry’s column.
The high-quality 2025 NFL draft is often used as the reason Cleveland might keep their general manager around longer than their head coach. DT Mason Graham, LB Carson Schwesinger, RB Quinshon Judkins, and TE Harold Fannin Jr. have all proven to be very good players at their positions as rookies. In taking stock, it is also important to note that none of those players play a premium position (i.e., the more valuable, harder to come by ones):
- Quarterback
- Wide receiver
- Offensive tackle
- Pass rushing defensive end (or elite pass rushing defensive tackle)
- Cornerback
Drafting very good players at lesser positions only works if you can also draft very good players at the premium positions. Perhaps Berry will get the chance to do so in the 2026 NFL draft, but is his 2025 draft class really the game-changer in the big picture to keep him around?
In the end, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam should be deciding between neither or both. Either the team is clearly executing a plan that was put in place prior to the season, with the expectation being a lot of losses, no matter how painful, or Berry and Stefanski should be let go. From everything we have heard, the plan has continued to be to keep both heading into next season.
Does the Week 10 loss and 2-7 record with multiple winnable games not going their way change things? If it does, Cleveland could once again be moving on from a whole regime.
Where do you stand on this “Overreaction Monday,” either, neither, or both with Berry and Stefanski?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below
